Note to readers: This article does not include a real-time 24-hour recap or a precise 7‑day forecast because live weather data is required to report those details accurately. The sections below provide a region-by-region agricultural weather outlook framework and key risks to monitor in early February. For site-specific forecasts and observed conditions, consult the National Weather Service (weather.gov), your state mesonet, and local extension advisories.

National overview and agricultural context

Early February is a high-variability period across U.S. production zones. Rapid swings in temperature, clipper systems across the North, Gulf moisture intrusions across the South and East, and Pacific storm tracks into the West can create short-notice changes in field and livestock conditions. Producers should monitor freeze thresholds for overwintering wheat, chill hours for specialty crops, mud risk and feed logistics for cattle, and precipitation timing for tree nut and berry preparations.

  • Freeze exposure: Primary concern for Southern Plains winter wheat, Southeast specialty crops, and California citrus/vegetables during radiational-cooling nights.
  • Precipitation timing: Windows of wetness influence manure application, small-grain topdressing, orchard floor management, and vegetable harvest schedules.
  • Wind events: Fire-weather risk in the Southern Plains and Southwest; lodging risk for small grains during thaw cycles; blowing snow/visibility in the Northern Tier.
  • Snowpack and water supply: Western mountains’ snowpack drives 2026 irrigation outlooks; monitor SNOTEL and state water updates.

Regional briefing and planning guidance

Pacific Northwest (WA/OR/ID wheat, pulses, potatoes)

  • Key risks to monitor this week: Intermittent valley rain and mountain snow keeping soils near field-capacity; freeze–thaw cycling affecting winter wheat crowns; fog reducing drying time in basins.
  • Operational notes: Protect recently emerged winter wheat from ice sheeting in low spots; schedule storage ventilation for potatoes during damp spells; plan herbicide/early N timing around 24–48 hour dry breaks.
  • Water outlook: Track mountain snow water equivalent for spring allocations; widespread accumulation events favor better irrigation confidence if storms continue.

California Central Valley and Central Coast (tree nuts, vineyards, vegetables, dairy)

  • Key risks to monitor this week: Patchy radiation frosts in interior valleys on clear nights; intervals of coastal rain affecting berry/veg fields; Tule fog limiting spray windows and harvest logistics.
  • Operational notes: Maintain frost-protection readiness (wind machines, microsprinklers) for almonds and early stone fruit; avoid soil compaction on saturated rows; time pre-bloom sprays for dry, light-wind mornings.
  • Water outlook: Track Sierra snowpack; heavier mountain precipitation improves reservoir recharge but may complicate foothill orchard access.

Southwest Deserts (AZ/CA lettuce, vegetables, citrus, forage)

  • Key risks to monitor this week: Brief cold snaps in low deserts; isolated showers from passing Pacific waves; gusty northerlies following frontal passages impacting harvest/pack operations.
  • Operational notes: Protect tender veg from frost in wind-sheltered fields; align harvest with the warmest parts of the day after cold mornings; ensure windbreaks and tunnel houses are secured before gusty periods.

Northern Plains (ND/SD/MT/MN spring wheat, corn/soy, livestock)

  • Key risks to monitor this week: Alberta clipper passages producing light snow, blowing/drifting, and sharp temperature swings; dangerous wind chills for livestock during arctic intrusions.
  • Operational notes: Stage feed and secure waterers ahead of wind chill events; maintain bedding and windbreaks; plan grain hauling around visibility and road conditions.
  • Snowpack: Light to moderate snow cover helps insulate winter wheat where established; monitor exposure on windswept fields.

Midwest/Corn Belt (IA/IL/IN/OH/MI/WI corn, soybeans, livestock)

  • Key risks to monitor this week: Periodic light snow or mixed precip from fast-moving systems; thaw–freeze cycles creating mud near confinement operations; brief warmups followed by quick cooldowns.
  • Operational notes: Use short dry spells for manure applications where fields support equipment; watch roof loads and ice on farm structures; schedule maintenance and seed inventory for spring.
  • Rivers/fields: In mixed precip scenarios, monitor tile drainage and ponding in low-lying fields.

Central and Southern Plains (KS/OK/TX winter wheat, cattle)

  • Key risks to monitor this week: Freeze risk following mild days; dry, breezy periods elevating fire weather; intermittent light precipitation that may not fully alleviate dryness in western zones.
  • Operational notes: Protect jointing-stage wheat where early advancement occurred; evaluate topdress nitrogen windows ahead of moisture; pre-position water and feed for pastures during cold, windy snaps.
  • Drought watch: Western OK/TX Panhandle producers should track fine-fuel curing and wind forecasts for fire safety.

Delta and Mid-South (AR/MS/LA/TN/MO Bootheel row crops, rice pre-season)

  • Key risks to monitor this week: Gulf moisture returns can bring soaking rains and localized flooding in bottoms; brief severe-weather windows on frontal boundaries; cool nights maintaining chill-hour accumulation.
  • Operational notes: Use dry interludes for ditch clearing and bed repair; stage inputs for spring burndown; protect early vegetable transplants from radiational frosts.
  • River systems: Watch lower Mississippi and tributary levels if repeated rains occur upriver.

Southeast (AL/GA/FL/SC/NC peanuts, cotton planning, small grains, citrus)

  • Key risks to monitor this week: Patchy frost/freezes inland on clear nights; periodic rain bands from Gulf/Atlantic systems; isolated strong storms on frontal passages.
  • Operational notes: Protect citrus and early-season vegetables from frost; manage small-grain N timing around rainfall; monitor saturated soils in flatwoods for equipment rutting.
  • Fruit set/chill: Track chill-hour fulfillment for peaches/blueberries; large warm spells can disrupt accumulation.

Northeast (dairy, hay, specialty crops)

  • Key risks to monitor this week: Mixed precipitation events creating ice accretion; coastal systems producing heavy, wet snow inland; freeze–thaw cycles impacting manure spreading windows.
  • Operational notes: Prioritize snow/ice load management on barns and greenhouses; target frozen-morning windows for limited field traffic; maintain backup power for dairies during nor’easter risks.

Rockies and Interior West (CO/UT/ID/MT cattle, hay, sugar beets, potatoes)

  • Key risks to monitor this week: Mountain snow sustaining snowpack; cold valleys with temperature inversions; occasional downslope winds on the High Plains.
  • Operational notes: Secure tarps and infrastructure ahead of chinook winds; manage livestock water in subfreezing spells; plan storage ventilation during high humidity after storms.
  • Water supply: Track basin snow water equivalent for irrigation planning into spring.

Practical 7-day planning checklist

  • Field access: Identify 24–48 hour dry windows from your local forecast to schedule manure applications, topdressing, and orchard floor work.
  • Freeze protection: Review overnight low forecasts versus crop thresholds (e.g., 28–30°F for citrus and bloom-stage tree fruit; winter wheat hardening status).
  • Wind and fire weather: Check Red Flag Warnings and 20-ft wind forecasts in the Southern Plains and Southwest before field burning or welding.
  • Livestock: Stage feed/water and windbreaks ahead of cold shots; monitor wind-chill advisories and provide dry bedding.
  • Storage and infrastructure: Inspect roofs and fans ahead of snow/ice or fog events; time grain moves around visibility and road conditions.

How to get localized, up-to-the-hour details

  • National Weather Service point forecasts: weather.gov (enter your farm location)
  • State/Regional Mesonets: Real-time temperature, wind, soil moisture (search “your state mesonet”)
  • Aviation forecasts (winds/ceilings for spraying windows): aviationweather.gov
  • Hydrology and river forecasts: water.noaa.gov
  • Drought and soil moisture: droughtmonitor.unl.edu and cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
  • Western snowpack: nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/wcc/home (SNOTEL)

Cross-check at least two official sources for decisions that depend on timing within 6–12 hours, especially during fast-moving winter patterns.